To earn your CFP^® Certification, go with our popular self-paced courses. Or fast forward your studies and sit for the CFP^® Certification Examination in only seven months. Total flexibility to learn your way. That's why more financial planners study with The American College than with any other provider. Taking the road most traveled is a pretty good idea after all.

How the Program Works

Seven Courses: Set yourself apart from other financial professionals with the CFP^® Certification. Seven practical, in-depth courses focusing on advanced financial planning.

Online and Textbook Learning: You can access online learning resources within 24 hours after your sign up, and your shipped textbooks will follow within two weeks. Supplemental readings, the ability to talk online with course professors, sample questions, and entire practice exams - all of the best educational tools are at your fingertips, and all are included in your monthly fee.

Testing on Your Schedule: For each course, you will have five months to prepare and test at the Pearson VUE testing center of your choice (over 4000 centers available). The cost for this test is included in your low monthly fee. You will receive news of your success on the spot, with a full grade report delivered by mail.

Auto-Enroll for Your Next Course: Every time you pass a course, the next one in your chosen program is shipped to you automatically. Dive right in or take a short break - you'll have five full months to study and test again.

A Great Value: Once you sign up, you will be charged a one-time-only new student fee of $140. That will be combined with your first monthly payment of $155, so your first charge will be $295. After that, you will be charged only $155/month for 29 months. Should you need to reschedule or retake a test, the applicable fee then in effect will be charged.

More advisors than ever before are earning the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC^®) designation. This rigorous program provides expertise in financial planning, taxation, retirement income, investments and more. Do you have what it takes to reach for a higher standard?

How the Program Works

Nine Courses: Set yourself apart from other financial professionals with the ChFC^® designation. Nine practical, in-depth courses focusing on advanced financial planning.

Online and Textbook Learning: You can access online learning resources within 24 hours after your sign up, and your shipped textbooks will follow within two weeks. Supplemental readings, the ability to talk online with course professors, sample questions, and entire practice exams - all of the best educational tools are at your fingertips, and all are included in your monthly fee.

Testing on Your Schedule: For each course, you will have five months to prepare and test at the Pearson VUE testing center of your choice (over 4000 centers available). The cost for this test is included in your low monthly fee. You will receive news of your success on the spot, with a full grade report delivered by mail.

Auto-Enroll for Your Next Course: Every time you pass a course, the next one in your chosen program is shipped to you automatically. Dive right in or take a short break - you'll have five full months to study and test again.

A Great Value: Once you sign up, you will be charged a one-time-only new student fee of $140. That will be combined with your first monthly payment of $140, so your first charge will be $280. After that, you will be charged only $140/month for 39 months. Should you need to reschedule or retake a test, the applicable fee then in effect will be charged.

Have the competition for lunch. Set yourself apart from other financial professionals with the gold-standard CLU^® designation from The American College. Eight practical, in-depth courses focusing on specialized insurance knowledge that will benefit your bottom line and every client you serve.

How the Program Works

Eight Courses: Set yourself apart from other financial professionals with the CLU^® designation. Eight practical, in-depth courses focusing on advanced financial planning.

Online and Textbook Learning: You can access online learning resources within 24 hours after your sign up, and your shipped textbooks will follow within two weeks. Supplemental readings, the ability to talk online with course professors, sample questions, and entire practice exams - all of the best educational tools are at your fingertips, and all are included in your monthly fee.

Testing on Your Schedule: For each course, you will have five months to prepare and test at the Pearson VUE testing center of your choice (over 4000 centers available). The cost for this test is included in your low monthly fee. You will receive news of your success on the spot, with a full grade report delivered by mail.

Auto-Enroll for Your Next Course: Every time you pass a course, the next one in your chosen program is shipped to you automatically. Dive right in or take a short break - you'll have five full months to study and test again.

A Great Value: Once you sign up, you will be charged a one-time-only new student fee of $140. That will be combined with your first monthly payment of $140, so your first charge will be $280. After that, you will be charged only $140/month for 35 months. Should you need to reschedule or retake a test, the applicable fee then in effect will be charged.

The CASL^® retirement coaching designation is the credible credential because the leading companies and top advisors all value its content and rigor. It's the industry's best, with five comprehensive courses to help you build your practice. All from the non-profit institution backed by 82 years of excellence and the highest academic accreditation available. There are easier designations out there, but this is the one the winners are racing to get.

How the Program Works

Five Courses: Set yourself apart from other financial professionals with the CASL^® designation. Five practical, in-depth courses focusing on advanced financial planning.

Online and Textbook Learning: You can access online learning resources within 24 hours after your sign up, and your shipped textbooks will follow within two weeks. Supplemental readings, the ability to talk online with course professors, sample questions, and entire practice exams - all of the best educational tools are at your fingertips, and all are included in your monthly fee.

Testing on Your Schedule: For each course, you will have five months to prepare and test at the Pearson VUE testing center of your choice (over 4000 centers available). The cost for this test is included in your low monthly fee. You will receive news of your success on the spot, with a full grade report delivered by mail.

Auto-Enroll for Your Next Course: Every time you pass a course, the next one in your chosen program is shipped to you automatically. Dive right in or take a short break - you'll have five full months to study and test again.

A Great Value: Once you sign up, you will be charged a one-time-only new student fee of $140. That will be combined with your first monthly payment of $130, so your first charge will be $270. After that, you will be charged only $130/month for 23 months. Should you need to reschedule or retake a test, the applicable fee then in effect will be charged.

Available Courses and Programs

Which designations and degrees at The American College are available through Accelerated Success?

You may choose from the following four courses:

1. CFP^® (Certification Education) - 6 courses
2. ChFC^® (Chartered Financial Consultant^®) - 7 required courses, 2 elective courses
3. CASL^® (Chartered Advisor for Senior Living^®) - 5 courses
4. CLU^® insurance specialty track - 8 courses

I have already completed several courses in my ChFC^®, CASL^®, CFP^® Certification or CLU^® program. Can I finish the rest of my courses through Accelerated Success?

No. Because of the unique delivery schedule of Accelerated Success, the program is currently open only to new students.

Can I transfer credits for courses previously completed at The American College or through another educational institution into my Accelerated Success program?

No. The Accelerated Success program is currently open only to new American College students who register to complete a designation or certification program, and no transfer credits are currently available.

Payments and Fees

Will my monthly payments ever go up?

No. One of the advantages of Accelerated Success is that you lock in current tuition rates for the length of the program.

Does my monthly payment cover everything?

Yes, with two exceptions. There is a one-time new program fee of 140 which is combined with your first monthly payment. Also, if you need to retake or reschedule an examination or if you miss an exam center appointment, your credit card will be charged the normal fees at that time to make those changes and you will be notified of the transaction via email.

Your monthly payments cover everything else, including the cost of textbooks, shipping and handling, access to online study tools and the course professors as well as your course examinations. Supplemental study tools are available at an additional cost but are not required.

Why am I required to pay a new program fee?

All new students at The American College are charged this one-time fee when they enroll for their first course. The fee covers the cost of setting up permanent student records that enable us to track your progress and support your success.

Can I obtain tax documentation for my tuition paid each year?

Yes. The American College will send you a 1098-T form each January for payments made during the previous calendar year.

Security, Scheduling, and Other Student Policies

Is my credit card and Social Security number information safe?

Yes. All credit card and social security number information and activity is processed through secure, encrypted transactions.

How long do I have to complete my courses?

I am given up to a 5-month window to complete the exam for my course, according to the diagram below. This is for my first course registration and for all other registrations following.

a) Taking Taking an exam earlier than First Day to Exam: I understand that if I am ready to complete the exam prior to the start of my examination window, I must contact the Accelerated Success Department at 1-866-263-7265 to open an earlier examination window. I understand that there is no additional fee for taking the exam early.

b) Taking an exam after the Last Day to Exam: I understand that if I miss the end of my 5-month examination window, I must contact the Accelerated Success Department at 1-866-263-7265 to open a new 5-month exam window. I also understand that I am responsible to pay the then current reschedule fee to open a new 5-month window and authorize The American College to charge my credit card on file for the new examination window. As of 5/23/2011, the reschedule fee is $160.00.

c) Retaking an exam: I understand that if I choose to retake an exam, I am responsible to pay the then current retake fee to open a new 5-month window and authorize The American College to charge my credit card on file for the new examination. As of 5/23/2011, the retake fee is $160.00.

Can I complete my designation ahead of schedule? If so, will I need to make additional payments?

Yes, you may complete your program ahead of schedule. If you complete all coursework and still have additional monthly installments to make, you have two choices:

1. You can continue making monthly payments for the duration of your program and apply to use your designation or receive your educational certification after those payments are completed; or
2. You may pay off the balance in a lump sum and apply to use your designation or receive your educational certification right away. To pursue either of these options after you have completed your courses, contact a Professional Education counselor at 888-263-7265.

The College will NOT grant the designation until all payments are made in full.

Can I discontinue payments and resume my studies later?

After withdrawing from the program (see details below), you may continue pursuing your designation or certification by enrolling in single courses, but you will need to pay full retail course rates then in effect. You will retain credit for any courses you have successfully completed in the Accelerated Success program, provided you have paid in total at least the equivalent of course retail rates effective during the year you began the program. If you have paid more than that amount, no future credits will apply.

If I do decide to discontinue my Accelerated Success payments prior to completing my program, what do I need to do?

We're confident that you will find Accelerated Success to be a convenient and affordable way to meet your educational and career goals. However, you may stop payments and withdraw from the program after paying your admission fee and making at least three monthly payments. No refunds are granted, even if more than 3 payments have been made. In addition, you will need to notify us of your decision to withdraw in writing, and we will need to receive that notification no later than the first of the month before your next payment would otherwise be due at the address below:

Professional Education
The American College
270 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

If I decide to withdraw from the Accelerated Success program, will I still receive academic and CE credit for the courses I have completed?

Yes, provided you have successfully completed all coursework and exams and provided your total monthly payments are at least equivalent to the total standard tuition cost for your completed courses in effect during the year you began the program.

Can I change my course selections and/or sequence after registering for Accelerated Success?

Yes. A recommended course sequence is provided when you register for your program, and you may select that order or choose another. You also have the option to change your course order at a later date by contacting our Professional Education advisors at 888-263-7265.

Can I get a receipt to submit to my employer for tuition reimbursement?

Yes. You may request a receipt verifying that you have successfully completed your courses after passing your course examination and paying the equivalent of retail course tuition in effect during the year you began your program.

How can I access the online study tools that are included in my program?

Visit www.TheAmericanCollege.edu and select the link for The American College Online from the homepage.

Once I pass a course, how long must I wait for my next course materials?

Once you successfully complete a course at an exam center, you can expect to receive your next set of course materials in about 1-2 weeks. It takes about 2-3 business days for The College to receive your exam results, then allow 7-10 business days for the shipping of the new set of materials. The 5-month exam window for your next course will begin on the first day of the following month of when the material was shipped. (For example, if your materials were shipped on September 16th, your 5-month exam window will begin on October 1st).